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Eden Central School District presents $39.92M 2026–27 budget, three propositions set for May 19 vote
Summary
District leaders on May 11 presented a $39,921,020 general fund budget for 2026–27 and outlined three ballot propositions: the general budget, use of reserves to buy buses ($587,648), and creation of a vehicles/equipment reserve. Officials warned a failed vote would force a contingent budget with program cuts.
Eden Central School District leaders presented the district’s 2026–27 spending plan at a public budget hearing on May 11, describing a $39,921,020 general fund budget and three propositions that will appear on the May 19 ballot.
Presenter Mrs. May said the general fund total of $39,921,020 reflects a small nominal decrease from 2025–26 driven by a one‑time debt service payment last year, but that on an operational basis the budget represents a roughly $1.4 million (3.74%) increase. "This is the general fund expenditure budget, for a total of $39,921,020," Mrs. May said. She explained the district built the proposal using the governor’s January aid run because the state budget remained unfinished.
The package includes Proposition 1 (the general fund budget and a tax‑levy increase within the state cap), Proposition 2 (use of capital reserve funds totaling $587,648 to purchase four diesel buses — two 20‑passenger and two 64‑passenger vehicles) and Proposition 3 (the creation of a new capital reserve for vehicles and equipment). Mrs. May emphasized that Proposition 2 uses reserves and therefore has no direct taxpayer impact.
Officials warned voters that if the budget fails the district must either seek a revote or adopt a contingent budget that disallows the tax‑levy increase and would eliminate planned equipment purchases, use of the $100,000 capital outlay, free facility use for community groups and school bus purchases. "If the board or if the vote next week doesn't pass...the district is required to adopt a contingent budget," Mrs. May said, listing the specific program and capital restrictions a contingent budget would impose.
The board also urged turnout, citing historically low passage rates in the district and stressing community reliance on school programs and facilities. The budget vote and Board of Education election are scheduled Tuesday, May 19, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. in the Middle/High School auditorium foyer.
